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What is the DNC and what can we expect from the scaled-back event?

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Posted at 12:33 PM, Jul 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-30 13:34:02-04

MILWAUKEE — There's been a lot of chatter about the DNC and security, but many people may not understand what even happens during a Democratic National Convention. The DNC will be coming to Milwaukee Aug. 17 through Aug. 20.

The Basics

First and foremost, the basics. The DNC is scheduled to take place at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. The event was initially slated to take place at Fiserv Forum in July, but changes had to be made due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The main focus of the event is to formally announce the democratic candidates for president and vice president. The presumptive nominee is former Vice President Joe Biden. A vice-presidential candidate will be announced later on.

The announcement will come from a group of delegates chosen to support the candidate during his campaign. However, due to the coronavirus, the delegates have been encouraged conduct their convention business remotely, including voting for a candidate.

Biden, however, plans to be in Milwaukee for the event, as will the vice-presidential candidate.

The Event Itself

According to the event's website, "the convention is an opportunity to show the American people what we stand for as a party and unite around our shared values."

Typically, both the DNC and the RNC feature a large number of speeches from candidates, delegates, and other members of the democratic party.

The event is expected to be much more scaled down, with many events and parties canceled due to COVID-19. These parties include a welcome party for delegates and a celebration for volunteers.

On July 29, the Democratic National Convention Committee released the initial schedule for the DNC, which includes a variety of speakers and caucus meetings throughout each day, with the official convention events taking place from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the four days.

The vice presidential candidate is expected to be nominated and make a headlining speech on Day 3 of the convention, while Biden will make an acceptance speech on Day 4.

Security

While many things have been scaled back, canceled, or gone virtual, the DNC is still scheduled to go on, with large amounts of security in place.

While more details are still unknown, several police departments have saidthey are pulling out of assisting Milwaukee police during the convention, due to concerns over potential new policies related to crowd control.

A security perimeter will likely be established around the Wisconsin Center, therefore affecting traffic downtown. Additionally, local leaders met Friday to discuss a possible ordinance that would ban certain items within the security zone.

That meeting lead to a discussion on who has authority over what. State and local officials have concerns after it was announced that federal agents are being sent to Milwaukee, though it is unclear yet what role, if any, they will have during the DNC.

What You Can Expect

While specific details have not been released regarding security with the new DNC plans, citizens should plan for some adjustments in the city, especially downtown.

Some of these changes are expected to come in the coming days, as the city begins to prepare for the convention.

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